Tell us some more! Your answer needs to include more details to help people.You can't post answers that contain an email address.Please enter a valid email address.The email address entered is already associated to an account.Login to postPlease use English characters only.

DVD-RW discs are ideal for temporary video recording and data backup, but they are not recommended for successful finalising, as there is no guarantee that the disc will work in another device.

Have you tried using DVD-R discs? these CAN be recorded in video mode AND finalised for compatible playback in other players. I assume the DMR-ES30V is a DVD/VCR combo unit - if so, the DVD recorder will not recognise RW discs; only DVD-RAM and DVD-R.

Try a different brand of blank dvd+r or -r. you will find that your dvd machine is fussy on what discs it plays. More exspensive dvd players are fussy with what dvd discs you put in, as cheaper dvd players would virtualy play most types of dvds.

My compliments to the foresight of your father. Your described concern is not caused by a "lock". It is indicative that the recording session was not 100% completed. Rather than 'crack', what is required is the final step in the recording. All the DVDs must be "finalized" in the same machine that recorded the movies, the Panasonic DVD Recorder DMR-ES30V. The finalize option would be in the MENU/Settings and must be enabled. Finalization per disc would take some time.

To my knowledge the only basic requirement to play a recorded disc into another machine (even of the same brand) is that the disc must be finalized. The recorder must be instructed that no further recording is intended and that the recorded disc wold be in use externally (some other standalone player).

Just a start, do postback how things turned up or should you need additional information. Good luck and Thank you for using FixYa.

I have three Panasonic DVD recorder/Vhs combos and I get the same problem from time to time...it may be the disks you are using. Mine absolutely hate Sony disks. I have the best luck with TDK or Maxell. You also must clean your unit frequently, if you do alot of recording. I use my units daily.

try washing the disc in a mild solution of laundry soap and bleach. i don't know why it works but it does. wash it, dry it and put it back in the machine and go to finalize the disc. finalize it and it is as good as new
david